The ups and downs of dating and marriage have long lent themselves to comedic entertainment. From I Love Lucy to Married with Children,
it’s fun to watch couples navigate their quirks. This week, FX adds two
new comedies to its repertoire (which includes the Emmy-nominated Louie and popular fan faves like Wilfred, It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia and The League — which have all relocated to FXX), each focusing on very different romantic relationships.

Married (Series Premiere,
10 p.m. Thursday, FX) follows Lina (Judy Greer) and Russ Bowman (Nat
Faxon), a typical married couple — if such a thing existed — working to
prevent bills, bickering and babies from squashing their spark.

If the stars’ names don’t ring a bell,
you’ll likely recognize their faces (and voices). Greer is possibly best
known for her wacky role as Kitty on Arrested Development and the voice of Cheryl on Archer, another FX offering — but she’ll always be Jawbreaker’s Fern Mayo to me. Oscar winner Faxon (Best Writing: Adapted Screenplay, The Descendants) has a long resume of small but funny roles in film and TV; he also starred in the short-lived Fox comedy Ben and Kate and voiced Raymond the Bear on The Cleveland Show. Add in support from the hilarious Jenny Slate and Brett Gelman, and I can foresee a long-term relationship with Married.

Next upis a show about a younger couple — just don’t call them a couple. You’re the Worst (Series Premiere, 10:30 p.m. Thursday, FX) highlights a more modern dating concept — the hookup buddy.

After a one-night-stand that
doesn’t quite end the next morning, they agree on a strictly fun,
physical arrangement. You know, one of those doomed to end either with
at least one party hurt — or worse! — with love.

WEDNESDAY JULY 16

Wilfred (10 p.m., FXX) – Ryan and Wilfred come to different conclusions about the same upsetting experience.

True Blood (9 p.m., HBO) –
Sookie reluctantly hosts a party for all of Bon Temps, because when half
of your town has been murdered or infected with vampire diseases, you
really just need to cut loose. Pam and Eric’s hunt for Sarah Newlin
brings them to Dallas. More human Bill flashbacks. Hoyt, please come
home.

Halt and Catch Fire (10
p.m., AMC) -– The team preps for a big computer expo; Bosworth makes a
bold move to support the PC program; Gordon presumably stops digging.

The Lottery (Series
Premiere, 10 p.m., Lifetime) – In the near future infertility runs
rampant, with the last six babies born in 2019. In 2025, a scientist is
finally able to develop 100 viable embryos — but who will get access to
these important keys to the future of mankind and how could this crucial
decision be determined? The federal government seizes the research and
holds a nationwide lottery to select the next 100 moms of the world. Hey
Lifetime, Imma let you finish, but can’t you just stick to pregnant
Amish teens?

The Leftovers (10 p.m.,
HBO) – The holidays mean more drama for Kevin and the town of Mapleton
as the Guilty Remnant pushes its influence. Elsewhere, Tom cares for a
sick Christine as he anxiously waits for Holy Wayne to make contact;
reunions in the Garvey family.

MONDAY JULY 21

The Newburgh Sting (9 p.m.,
HBO) – Four Newburgh, N.Y., men were charged as terrorists after being
drawn into an elaborate FBI sting operation in 2009. This documentary
uses FBI hidden camera footage and interviews with the families of the
“Newburgh Four” to question post-9/11 surveillance and anti-terrorist
measures.

TUESDAY JULY 22

Restaurant Startup (10 p.m., CNBC) – Think Shark Tank,
but with emerging restaurants, food trucks and other dining concepts.
Investors Joe Bastianich and Tim Love don’t pull any punches with their
critiques and business demands as two startups compete each week to
launch a pop-up restaurant and, hopefully, strike a deal.

Nathan For You (10:30 p.m.,
Comedy Central) – Nathan offers his guidance to an exterminator, a car
wash and a liquor store, where he finds a loophole to sell alcohol to
minors.